Saturday, January 23, 2010

SHARING JIM'S HEART

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010

I began and ended the day talking with Jim. What a blessing! I was thrilled to hear his voice this morning assuring me that all is well. The team is making a difference every day in the name of the Lord. I began to immediately ask a million questions about the team's health, safety, and work. They are praising God for his incredible faithfulness every step of the way. In the middle of our conversation, a strong tremor, later to be identified as a 4.4 quake, hit and I listened as Jim yelled "Tremor" out to those around him. I could hear the fright in his voice as he hurried to escape the concrete second floor sleeping quarters. He exclaimed that the whole building was shaking and I held my breath in disbelief while saying a prayer for their safety - this 30 seconds of chaos was surreal - and then it abruptly stopped. Jim hadn't yet descended on the ladder and he resumed our convervation with a bit more emotions. He said that the tremors are frequent, though not as hard as this one, and he asked that the prayer warriors pray for these tremors to cease so that our team can work and sleep on solid ground. When the tremors hit, they produce great anxiety and fear as everyone goes on alert - they have a routine to get away from any buildings asap. Evidently one person can feel a powerful tremor and a person only 100 feet away will feel nothing! They keep everyone on constant alert. Jim shared a story about sitting at a metal table yesterday while a young Haitian boy played in a small tent beneath it. A big tremor rocked the house and the young boy panicked and began to scream in fear. The zipper was stuck on his tent and he couldn't get out. Jim struggled with the zipper from the outside as the boy pulled at it from the inside. The ground was shaking beneath them and Jim said he felt so helpless at that moment. His emotions overflowed with the awareness that he must get out of the building but he couldn't leave this young boy behind. The zipper released and when they both finally got safely outside, he was so weak he had to sit down. He realized that these precious children will have to live in this type of ongoing fear long after he returns home. I stopped asking questions then and listened as my brother shared his heart with one story after another of emotional experiences from this week. He spoke of his visit to the ravine where a nun called him over to help a young preteen boy with a crushed leg. The boy had open infected wounds wrapped in a bloody, pus covered bandage. Jim knew they had to get him to the clinic that was 1 mile away, so he prayed for strength to physically carry him. When they got to the street, along came Jeff driving a truck going to distribute food for one of the agencies! Jeff stopped and gave them a ride to the clinic - Praise God. ( These are not accidents - these are miracles! ) . The young boy cried out in pain the entire ride. but evidently transformed into a whole differnt personality when the pain meds took over. He began to smile and joke and give high fives to those around him. Unfortunately when this dear Haitian boy's pain meds wear off, he is going to have to live in excruciating pain again. Jim was overcome as he saw Sherries house and how close she had stood to death. He wept with Pastor Cenore as he listened to the details of the destruction of our beloved "church on the rooftop" . So many lives were buried alive as all the houses built into the hillside came tumbling down into the valley . He said the US troops were able to save many, but wouldn't carry off the dead bodies. A mass grave now lays in the rubble of a once awe-inspiring spot. The team is handing out lots of food and water for the UN and other support agencies. Everyone has a role now, and Jeff is doing a lot of supply distribution. It seems the smaller non-profit agencies are doing a much better job than the large agencies at getting the food and water from the airport to the people. Jim said in order to avoid mobs, he often gives the local pastors the food and supplies who in turn call their congregation together to distribute them to the indiviual families. He doesn't see a lot of armed forces there in the slums of the ravine area, yet there is little violence. There are many pictures of children helping other children throughout the streets. Some of the street venders are setting up again with their limited supplies ( a couple cans of tuna, a bottle of mustard, vegetables, dusty flip flops ). The big cargo planes and the helicopters transporting patients fly over them constantly, but the most beautiful sound is that of the Haitians singing their praises to God throughout the night. I am convinced that this is how God is refreshing the spirits of our weary team each night and morning. That is a very different sound than the voodoo drums I heard on my last trip. Jim said to be sure to tell you about the airport. Each assisting country has taken a field of their own where they set up tents and proudly fly their flag above their relief efforts. It is a beautiful picture of a united world joined together in hope and love. Hopefully someone will get a picture of it for us. I apologize for rambling. There is so much to share and so little space. There is another mission team of 6 Georgians staying there at Sherrie's also. It is really hot there now ( 90s) and everyone is struggling to stay hydrated. Water is not readily available all the time and they end up giving away most of it everytime they get another supply. They are working hard. Today the medical team saw 103 patients. Yesterday they saw 133! Pastor Genada is staying with them to oversee the rebuilding of the outer security wall. They have hired Haitian men to help and the wall is really progressing. It looks like we are one of the only homes rebuilding in that poor area. Jim says familiar faces greet him everywhere as he walks and everyone wants to share their story of loss. Tonight Jim sounded tired but was happy to report that "It was a very good day!".

Please pray very specifically for these things today:

1 - The tremors cease and our team has firm ground to stand on.
2 - Renewed strength and energy for our team as they work long hours in high heat in the poorest of circumstances.
3- That God will continue to walk before our team preparing the way
for them to make a difference.
4 - That a spirit of revival will overtake Haiti and God will be honored
5 - Continued physical protection for our team
6 - Pray for their emotional well being while seeing so much tragedy and loss constantly.

7 - That souls will be saved!

Jim ended our conversation thanking everyone for their prayers. They are overwhelmed at the number of people who are praying for them each hour. Prayer works! Our team is living proof.

There is power in the name of our Lord!

I pray I have honored Jim with a correct sharing of his heart. I love you, my dear brother.
Keep up the good work! To God Be The Glory!

...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31It is my honor to pray for this team that is truly blessed, love carole

SUPPORT DONNA'S MINISTRY IN HAITI

donna@gmail.com. I invite you to also follow me on Facebook on my page Donna Hambrick Tyson. Mail and packages can be sent to me at Donna Tyson, P.O. Box 7013, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22404

I will be responsible for raising my own funds for this year of Haiti mission work. If you would like to support me in this ministry, you can write a check to Donna Tyson and mail it to P.O. Box 7013, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22404. Tax deductible checks can be sent to Palmetto Shores Church in Oak Grove Virginia with funds designated to go to Donna Tyson. It is only with your help and prayers that I am able to serve in Haiti, and I thank you for your generous support.

Thank you for your prayers, love and support. It means the world to me.

"I hear the Lord asking "Whom shall I send as a messneger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said "Here I am, Send Me."

Isaiah 6:8

Invite Donna To Speak at your Church!

I would love to come share an inspiring program about the work we are doing in Haiti through Until the Whole World Knows. Just email me at donna@utwwk.com with your program idea and/or date and I will get back with you immediately with a response (provided our internet is up that day!)

THE POWER OF PRAYER

I believe in the power of prayer and ask each of you to cover this ministry in prayer on a daily basis. Please join me in asking God for a hedge of protection, health, wisdom, boldness, renewed energy, financial resources and the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus among the precious Haitian people.

Thank you for your love, prayers and support.

2010 24 Hour Prayer Chain

Please join me in a continuous prayer chain for the safety and effectiveness of our mission teams traveling to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from Wednesday, January 20th thru Wednesday, January 27th. Pray that God will go before them and be with them as they provide medical assistance and construction labor to our missionaries there.

Look at the calendar below for available prayer times and email me the time slot you will commit to pray. tysonmngt@aol.comI will be updating the calendar with each email. Let's add several rings of love and protection - the more prayer warriors each hour, the better!Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I know that our God is faithful and hears our prayers.

QUICK GLANCE AT MISSION TEAM PROGRESS

JAN 27, 2010 - Team transitions home. Hot baths, sleep and lots of love are recommended. Let's hold them up in prayer! Thank you , team, for a job well done. I know God is smiling!

JAN 26, 2010 - Team delayed at airport all morning waiting for plane from Fort Pierce. Touched down safely in states at 3:15. Left Ft Pierce at 4:30 - Ate pizza together! Headed to Jacksonville and homes. Exhausted, trying to absorb all that happened this week. Committed to return soon. Kathy Brooks got UN trucks filled with supplies to Christian Light Mimistries base. Feeding thousands of people from that base. God's army marches on.

JAN 25, 2010 - Powerful last day of work. Clinic at Karen's house saw many people. Men transported serious injuries across country to Dominican Republic. More souls saved as Pastor Mike preached. Emotional wrap up at end of day.

JAN 24, 2010 - Spent day at "church on the rooftop" site with Pastor Cenor's people. Medical team saw about 120 people. Great church service. Dr. Karen and several other nurses have flu but are working nonstop with masks and gloves. Keep them in your prayers.

JAN 23, 2010 - Another "good day". The medical team continues seeing an incredible number of people each day. Jeff is gathering food, water and basic supplies from the airport and distributing it to those in need. Pastor Mike preached today at the clinic and 6 salvations were celebrated. The team continues to make runs to the hospital with those suffering serious injuries. One outside wall is up and progress is being made on the rest of the security wall. They are capturing many videos of amazing stories to share with us when they return. Everyone is healthy and grateful for your prayers.

JAN 22, 2010 - "It was a very good day!" The medical team saw 103 people today at their clinic and 133 yesterday! There is good progress on the rebuilding of the outer security wall. Food and supplies were distributed. Our team is safe and being used by God.

JAN 22, 2010 - 5:30 am - Team up and preparing for new day! What a privilege to be used by God in this setting. Keep those prayers coming!

JAN 21, 2010 Good day of meeting many needs. Team ends day with prayer and praise and then sleeps on open 2nd floor of concrete building. At 10:15 p.m.tremors startled them as they lay resting. They ask for continued prayer for safety.

JAN 21, 2010 - 5:50 pm - Prayer chain filled! Now let's continue to add more prayer warriors and encircle this team with many layers of love and support. Thank you so much for standing in the gap with us.

JAN 20, 2010 - 9:30 pm - Received word from Debbie that all is well and they are "sleeping under the stars" at Sherrie's house. They will begin at 6:00 am tomorrow in order to take advantage of daylight hours since no electricity. Prayer warriors continue to stand in the gap around the clock for our team and loved ones in Haiti. To God Be the Glory!

JAN 20, 2010 - 4:30 pm - Team is seeing patients already at Karen's place even though they haven't set up the clinic yet.. No words to describe destruction and pain. Overwhelming - so much to do that's it's hard to know where to start. Pray for wisdom. Jim says he feels an incredible peace and protection. Sure they are in God's Hand. Sends heartfelt thanks to prayer warriors. Very touched by how many people are praying for them on prayer chain.

JAN 20, 2010 - 12:30 pm - Team safely lands in Port-au-Prince. Two trucks waiting to carry them and medical supplies to clinic site! Able to carry 1/2 of supplies now and will return for rest. Jim amazed at how smooth everything is going. God is at work!

JAN 20, 2010 - 9:00 am - God answers prayer. Team boards flight for takeoff. Flying in turbo-jet plane loaned to MFI by Jimmy Hendricks, NASCAR driver. God continues to open doors for our team to get to Haiti while many others can not gain entrance. I believe in miracles! Prayer warriors pray for God to go before them and provide safe passage for them and meds once they are at airport.

JAN 20, 2010 - 7:30 am - New 6.1.Quake outside Port-au-Prince this morning. Team delayed but determined to go. Prayer Warriors pray for God to open the path. They are able to handpick 700 lbs of medical supplies to take this trip with rest to follow later. Another group on tarmac had to lighten their load also and gave our team a supply of IV fluids! God is faithful!

JAN 19, 2010 - Team drives to Fort Pierce, Florida for MFI Flight in am. They have about 1400 lbs of medical supplies with them. Disappointed no IV fluids available. Pray for God to use what they have to His Glory.

JAN 26, 2010 - Team delayed at airport all morning waiting for plane from Fort Pierce. Touched down safely in states at 3:15. Left Ft Pierce at 4:30 - Ate pizza together! Headed to Jacksonville and homes. Exhausted, trying to absorb all that happened this week. Committed to return soon. Kathy Brooks got UN trucks filled with supplies to Christian Light Mimistries base. Feeding thousands of people from that base. God's army marches on.

JAN 25, 2010 - Powerful last day of work. Clinic at Karen's house saw many people. Men transported serious injuries across country to Dominican Republic. More souls saved as Pastor Mike preached. Emotional wrap up at end of day.